Canal begins to reopen

November 2, 2012

Parts of the New York State Canal System has begun to reopen, and the system is expected to fully reopen to navigation early next week, the governor's office announced.

The state shut down the canal earlier this week as Hurricane Sandy approached the region.

Water levels in the system had been lowered to reduce the risk of flooding as a result of the hurricane. The storm's effect on the canal was minimal, and there was no damage to locks, dams or other canal structures, a news release said.

The restoration of water levels throughout the canal system will allow all recreational and commercial vessels in the 524-mile system to complete their journeys before the system is closed down for the winter Nov. 15, the news release said.

On Wednesday, the canal began lowering uprights and lower gates at Locks 13 in Yosts, 14 in Canajoharie and 15 in Fort Plain.

On Thursday, the canal began lowering uprights and lower gates at Locks 8 in Scotia, 9 in Rotterdam Junction, 11 in Amsterdam and 12 in Tribes Hill.

On Friday, the canal began lowering uprights and lower gates at Lock 10 in Cranesville.

On Saturday and Sunday, the canal will continue to lower gates to build a navigation pool on Mohawk River levels. The remainder of the Erie Canal, from Locks 16 to 8, will reopen Monday, according to the news release.